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In the previous chapter, Britpop, Andelbert, and Maria spent the day in Paris, where they visited the Montgolfier brothers, the Lourve, the Palais-Royal, and Lafayette’s wife, Marie. After returning to the Palace at Versailles, the King and Queen offered to host Britpop and Elise’s wedding at the Palace.
We now return to the port of Bordeaux, where Elise is preparing for the maiden voyage of The Eternal Horizon.
Elise will tell this portion of the tale.
I rose early and waited outside my father’s office. He arrived promptly at seven, as was his custom.
“Father, will you join me for breakfast?” I asked.
“You know I don’t eat breakfast.”
“I know. But I wish to spend some time with you before I leave.”
“How then can I refuse?”
When we arrived, the Souris Brune Inn was full, but a pair of sailors got up and left, so we took their table.
“Goatbeard has placed a lot of trust in me. I want to prove worthy of that trust. Do you have any advice?” I asked.
I could tell he was still uncomfortable with me being a Captain, but to his credit, he tried not to show it.
“As a captain, your concern must be your crew and ship first, then your employer. Sailing, just like life, is unpredictable. All Captains face difficulties and make bad decisions occasionally. You will not be the exception. If Goatbeard is an honorable employer, he will know this and understand. Beyond competence, which comes with experience, loyalty is the trait that will please Goatbeard the most. I need to know that my Captains have my interests at heart. I trust Goatbeard is no different.”
“I have found him an honorable man and worthy of loyalty.”
“Good. You must also earn the loyalty of your crew. Your crew looks to you. You set the tone. Treat them with respect, but continue to remind them that you are the Captain. Do not allow your crew to question your orders. Never show them weakness, even when you are scared or unsure. Be decisive.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
After breakfast, my father returned to his office, and I walked down the dock to The Eternal Horizon. I arrived to find Captain Brun on his knees on the deck of the ship with his hands tied behind him.
“You was right to have us stay on the ship, Captain. We caught the fool in the act of trying to burn the ship,” Bulk said.
“There was a time when I admired you, Captain Brun. Where did that honorable man go?”
Brun kept his head down and said nothing in reply.
“Shall we take him to the Citadelle, Captain?” Celine asked.
“No. I shall deal with this myself.”
I pulled Brun up by the ropes that bound his hands. I stuck my knife against his ribs.
“Walk,” I said.
“Allow me to go with you, Captain,” Bulk said.
“It is not necessary. Stay with the ship.”
“Captain, I must protest.”
“I said stay with the ship. That is an order.”
“Yes, Captain,” Bulk replied.
As we walked down the dock, Brun raised his head. His breath was thick with ale. “Have mercy, Lass, and push that knife into my heart. It is a better fate than the Citadelle.”
“I am not taking you to the Citadelle.”
“Where then?”
“To see my father. He will decide your fate.”
“I cannot face him. I beg you to end my life.”
“I am no murderer. Stop talking and walk.”
I pushed Brun through the door of my father’s office.
“What is this?” My father asked.
“Captain Brun tried to burn my ship last night. I had my crew waiting onboard, and they stopped him.”
“And why is he here? Take him to the Citadelle. They will see him hang.”
“I do not wish to see him executed.”
My father looked at Brun with disgust.
“You were a loyal employee and Captain for twenty-five years. How could you betray me like this?”
“I have no ship and no money,” Brun said.
“You obviously have money for ale,” my father replied.
“When I saw the girl was made a Captain, an uncontrollable rage overcame me.”
“Did I not get the rest of The Elise crew positions on other ships?”
“Aye.”
“And did I not offer the same to you, but you refused.”
“I am a Captain, not a swab.”
“You are a drunk, wallowing in self-pity. Your pride has undone you.”
My father turned to me and said, “I shall take him to the Citadelle myself.”
Is there no other way? I asked.
“Why? He deserves his fate.”
“He does. But I grew up on his ship. He served you faithfully that whole time.”
“He tried to burn your ship.”
“I know.”
My father sighed. “There is a Spanish ship sailing today. I know the Captain. He is one man short. I can get you on as a crew member. You will have to swallow your pride and start over. Do you accept?”
Brun looked defeated but relieved. “I accept.”
“If I ever see your face here again, it will not go well for you. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
“Then let’s go.”
I untied Brun, and my father escorted him down the dock. I returned to The Eternal Horizon.
“How did it go, Captain?” Rawboned asked.
“The matter is settled. How goes the loading?”
“It is nearly done. We should be ready to sail by tomorrow.”
“Excellent. Britpop, Maria, and Andelbert are due back today.”
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark